Looking to grow your own cannabis-based business? – grbj.com

New resources are available to aid the cannabis industry in West Michigan.

Jamie Cooper launched an all-in-one platform, Cannabiz Connection, in January. The company helps entrepreneurs who are interested in starting their own medical marijuana practice.

Cannabiz Connection is an online website that provides updates on new and changing regulations, and networking opportunities for individuals who want to start their own cannabis business. It also provides an outlet for those who offer medical marijuana services and products to support the industry, according to Cooper.

“Cannabis is a highly regulated industry,” Cooper said. “After working in the industry for three years now, I realize that there needs to be a platform like this because I was once that person who was trying to figure out how to do it, who to talk to, what were the regulations, and so I wanted to build a place where people can find that information easily.”

Cooper said the online services are free to business professionals who create their own profiles, but service providers have to pay if they want to market their products and/or services in the industry.

She also creates content for service providers to inform and help the public build businesses. Her website will not be the only place people can network. Cooper said she plans to host quarterly events where people can meet face to face.

Zach Eldridge, chief operating officer of Living Tree, is a cannabis caregiver for five patients who suffer from chronic illnesses, such as cancer, Crohn’s disease and other chronic pains.

He is in the process of acquiring his cultivation and processing license, which Eldridge said will allow his company to take his product and brand into a regulated market to reach a wider variety of medical marijuana patients in the state of Michigan.